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The other day I discovered a new shop at Deep Creek Lake. I felt a bit silly since it has been in the area for over 12 years but for some odd reason, it never occurred to me to go and check it out. Sacred Ground is located on the top floor of a large building in the heart of McHenry in the same building as The Popcorn Factory. As I started to drift upstairs, I could hear soft music playing in the background (always a nice touch) and voila! I was in a woman’s paradise! Rows of jewelry lined the wall with everything from rings, necklaces, bracelets, and more! From the name “Sacred Ground”, you can get the gist that a large portion of the jewelry was from a Southwest origin but still a large variety (I saw at least 10 pieces of jewelry that I know I must own and own asap!) I was greeted by the owner’s daughter Tiffany who was extremely sweet and displayed awesome customer service. She was very helpful and didn’t seem irritated at all by my many, many questions. She explained how her family had moved into the building 12 years prior and were actually the first tenants in the building. Her family has always had a love for the Southwest region and actually travel to Arizona and New Mexico to pick some of their merchandise directly. These also work closely with a Navajo Artist who helps design a lot of their jewelry. Walking further into the store, I noticed that they carried a lot more than just jewelry but there were candles, paintings, vases, and even clothing. Such a large selection of different items to choose from!

Love these necklaces!

Then I spotted what looked to me like just a very pretty lamp, however, Tiffany explained to me that it was actually a Himalayan Salt Lamp made of mined and carved minerals and it actually carries medicinal properties that are helpful for people with asthma and allergies! Neat! Between the beautiful music that played, the many delightful items to check out and again, the superb customer service, I knew without a doubt that I had found a new shopping venue! (Did I also mention that it was right on the lake and boasted breathtaking lake and mountain views?) We here at Taylor-Made Deep Creek Vacations & Sales we love to support our local shops and highly recommend to our friends and guests to stop in and check out Sacred Ground (grab some popcorn on your way out as well!)

Yes, Please!

Speaking of Taylor-Made, have you planned your winter getaway yet? Give us a call (I-866-351-1119 or online www.deepcreekvacations.com ) and let us help you find that perfect vacation home for your next Deep Creek adventure. Not a fan of skiing? Have you tried snow tubing, ice skating, snow shoeing, cross country skiing? We have a plethora of fun and adventure waiting for you to try when you come visit our Maryland Mountains! We have fresh snow and we can’t wait to see you at the lake!

After a busy day at the office, I decided to go for a little pick me up with a refreshing beverage from Trader’s Coffee House. So many beverages to choose from! Knowing full well that my coworkers have little patience with me when I am java-ed up, I decided to try a strawberry fruit smoothie instead. Delish! Made with real strawberries and topped with whipped cream and sprinkles, it was the perfect jolt that I needed! It had been awhile since I had been in Trader’swhich is surprising because I love the atmosphere there! It’s very casual but warm and inviting and their menu just continues to grow. They now serve a variety of breakfast foods such as waffles, scones, breakfast sandwiches, and more. For lunch you can choose salad, Paninis, quiche, and the list continues. All are made daily and with nothing but fresh ingredients. Not sure what to get? Ask. The employees are quick to offer suggestions and always offer exceptional customer service. Need to surf the web? No problem as the coffee house offers wireless internet. The coffee shop is also accessible by boat so stop by next time you are out cruising on the water. So, if you are looking for a comfortable place to hang out while enjoying a specialty drink and snack, then I highly recommend that you check out Brenda and her crew at Trader’s. You will be glad that you did!

Life in the mountains is flourishing as the trees are full, flowers are blooming, and the air is clean and crisp. It’s the perfect time to begin planning your summer vacation. Call Taylor-Made Deep Creek Vacations(1-866-351-1119) today to speak to one of our reservationist who will happily be able to help you locate the perfect home for you and your family. You can also browse through our homes on our website (www.deepcreekvacations.com) where you can see pictures of the home, take video tours, and read through a list of amenities that each home offers. There is still time to take advantage of our “Book 3 nights for the price of 2” for the Memorial Day weekend. In the meantime, we can’t wait to see you at the lake!

Those of us native or local to Garrett County are well aware that we are certainly not, nor likely to become, thought of as a shopping mecca. Everyone knows if it is a shopping mall that you seek then you will head to Morgantown, Uniontown, and Cumberland. So, we are grateful for our small little unique specialty shops that are scattered throughout the area. It is usually at these cool little shops that one is most likely to find over the top customer service and truly unique collectibles! Today I journeyed to downtown Oakland to see what was going on for the day. One of the first stores that caught my attention was a shop called The Painted Cupboard! How I ever missed the store in the past is beyond me! Focusing on primitive country wares, this store is a jackpot for those that love any kind of country deco, candles, signs, beads, flowers, the list is endless! The three little showrooms give you ample room to roam about and check out all of the many different signs, from “Family Gathers Here” to “Man Cave; Enter at your own risk”! You also have a large selection of candles, scented oils, and potpourri to choose from. Sabrina, the proprietor, was very kind and also directed me to another shop they manage, across the road, called The Chic Shack. Truly a woman’s shopping paradise with a large selection of scarves, handbags, and jewelry. They have something for everyone and a great selection if you are looking for a birthday gift for a special friend or even for Mother’s Day! As always, I encourage everyone to check out the downtown area of our county seat. Make a day out of it and hit the historic museum, the antique shops and especially The Painted Cupboard and Chic Shack! I must say, I am a fan! Weather is still looking great and now is the perfect time to call Taylor-Made Deep Creek Vacations and take advantage of our Stay 3 nights for the Price of 2 Special! In the meantime, we look forward to seeing you at the lake!

As I mentioned last week, I am on a new quest to conquer my Holiday shopping procrastination. I decided to once again go local, with a side of different thrown in. This brought me to The Shawnee Trading Post, located towards Oakland and approximately 10 minutes from Deep Creek Lake. I love that place! It’s certainly easy to find as the outside is randomly decorated with some very large and unique statues and fountains. These large bronze beings range from children playing to a large assortment of animals (dogs, cats, dolphins, frogs, fish, bears, the list goes on…) If this hasn’t peaked your interest then you simply must just step inside. The most obvious thing that you will see upon entering is the large man-made pond inside the door. Decorated lavishly in “garden/pond” decor, you will be warmly greeted by a beautiful school of koi fish. And then let the ‘wow’ factor begin. The store is packed full of amazing fiberglass statues/people. Elvis is in the house, along with Marilyn, James Dean, The Duke, and I believe I even caught a glimpse of Jordan there. The walls are also lined with gorgeous vases and flower pots, which in my opinion, would make an awesome gift. They also specialize in taxidermy so as you approach the back wall you will quickly become enthralled with the display of the gigantic elephant head. Scan on and check out the lion, elk, and other various animals. Most of the items in the store fall into the category of “lawn/garden decorations” but they also have amazing lamps, trunks, and country home decor. Our shopping days are quickly come to a close, so if you are like me, and still have plenty of people to cross off your list, then I highly suggest you check this store out (especially if you are a fan of all things funky, quirky, and just plain unique, like I am). In the meantime, let the temperatures drop, “Think Snow!” and we look forward to seeing you at the lake!